State Inspection Forces Closure of Florida Popeye’s: Flying Insects and Stop-Sale Order Cited

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A Popeye's Louisiana Kitchen at at 16530 SR 50 in Clermont was recently shut down following a state inspection that uncovered 14 health and safety violations. The popular fast-food chain, known for its fried chicken and Cajun-inspired menu, temporarily closed its doors after failing to meet the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation's standards during an inspection on July 26, 2024.

Inspection Details

The inspection conducted by state officials on July 26 uncovered a total of 14 violations, some of which posed significant health risks. Among the basic violations were issues such as a broken air conditioning system, the presence of a mold-like substance in the ice machine bin, and an accumulation of grease and food debris in the microwave. Additionally, pans were found "wet nesting" on a dish rack, and french fries and biscuits were exposed to condensation from the air conditioner.

More concerning were the high-priority violations, which included the observation of live flying insects in the restaurant and a stop-sale order on the french fries and biscuits that were deemed unfit for consumption due to their exposure to unsanitary conditions.

As a result of these findings, the restaurant was temporarily closed to address the issues. A follow-up inspection on July 27 required further action, but the restaurant was allowed to reopen as none of the violations were deemed an immediate threat to public health. By July 29, a subsequent inspection confirmed that the restaurant had met the necessary standards to resume normal operations.

Community Reactions and Moving Forward

The temporary closure of the Clermont Popeye's has sparked concern among local residents, especially given the restaurant's mixed reviews prior to the inspection. Many customers have voiced their disappointment and frustration on social media, calling for improvements in both service and cleanliness at the location.

While the restaurant has since reopened, the incident serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining high standards of hygiene and customer service in the food industry. Popeye's fans in Clermont will be keeping a close eye on the location to see if the necessary improvements have been made and whether the restaurant can regain the trust of its customers.

In the meantime, Floridians craving Popeye's signature chicken sandwich still have plenty of other options across the state, with 235 locations to choose from. As the Clermont location works to rebuild its reputation, the hope is that it will return stronger, with a renewed commitment to quality and customer satisfaction.